2015 has been a tumultuous year for South Africa’s democracy. A number of key government officials have been embroiled in corruption scandals, most notably the alleged mismanagement of state funds in the construction of President Jacob Zuma’s private residence in Nkandla, KwaZulu-Natal. An investigation led by the Public Protector found that state funds were employed for non-security installations and determined that the president should repay “a reasonable percentage” of these costs (Public Protector of South Africa, 2014).

For two decades, South Africa has been grappling with the agonizing triple challenges of poverty, unemployment, and inequality. President Jacob Zuma’s State of the Nation address in February 2015 called upon the nation to be united in advancing economic freedom. Most South Africans would acknowledge that despite gains in political freedom, much remains to be done to overcome poverty and bring economic justice to the Rainbow Nation.

Social services – particularly health and education – are the most important problems that the Ugandan government should address, according to respondents in a recent nationwide Afrobarometer survey.

Substantial proportions of the population are dissatisfied with the way the government has handled health care and social-services provision, as well as the economy, agriculture, and governance issues. Less than half of Ugandans think their local government is maintaining local roads and local market places well.